Major League Soccer Announces FIFA eSports League

Following in 2K League’s footsteps Major League Soccer will launch its own competitive video game circuit that pits MLS franchises against each other in FIFA 18. Nineteen of the 23 MLS clubs will hire professional gamers to represent them in the MLS esports league, which will start with the eMLS Cup in April. The winner will represent his or her club in EA’s global campaign to find the world’s best FIFA 18 player.

Fans will be able to follow their favorite MLS clubs in eMLS competition as participating MLS teams get set to recruit their own players, including via local tournaments, to identify the best talent in pursuit of the eMLS Cup.

The inaugural edition of the eMLS Cup will take place in April at popular gaming culture festival PAX East at Boston’s Convention and Exhibition Center. The event will determine the US and Canada qualifiers to the EA Sports FIFA 18 Global Series Playoffs for a berth to August’s FIFA eWorld Cup.

“This step forward into competitive gaming is a key component in our partnership with EA Sports to promote deeper engagement and connections between MLS supporters and millions of FIFA players around the world,” said MLS Business Ventures President and Managing Director, Gary Stevenson.

Further details on the eMLS league structure and team player signings will be revealed in the coming weeks.